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PUBLISHED BY – MIKE TRICKETT 245 CHURCH ST. HERNE HILL VIC 3218

Cover Picture

For a change of pace this time, the cover picture is an Australian made toy strip film
projector, the Roama.
I’m sure there will be some readers who have come across one of these over the years
as they were a popular item in the 1950s. Maybe, like me, one of these little units was
the start of a life-long interest in projectors, films and collecting.
In my case, one of these turned up in a Christmas stocking, when I was around eight
years old and much was learned from “playing” with such a simple devise. Lighting,
lenses and film itself were all part of the process. Discoveries such as why the image in
the projector was upside down and yet it was the correct way on the screen (bedroom
wall!), Were all part of the learning process developed from that little unit. Attempts
to color the black and white film were less successful - I guess nail polish is not really
recommended.

This edition contains a very thorough article on the history of the Roama and the
people who produced it by John Fleming.
This issue early

As advised in the last edition, the cut-off date for advertising had to be brought
forward by a week, as Barb and I will be on holiday during December. My apologies for
anyone who missed out on getting material in.

End of another year

2019 has really flown by, the year has seen some increases in the average price of
quality films and of course more of our collections turning red or developing vinegar
syndrome. In some cases, the plastic reels are more valuable the the films on them,
so a lot have been junked - something I never thought I would ever do!

To all readers,

Barb and I wish you happy holiday season and the best of health in 2020.

2 REEL DEALS December 2019